Mascara tube with attached under eye shield

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device that is used to apply mascara more easily and accurately. The device is a mascara tube with an integrally attached under eye shield. As a mascara tube, it consists of two parts. Part one comprises a cap with a shaft and attached applicator (brush or comb) which allows for the transfer of mascara onto the eyelashes and is fastened onto part two, the tubular portion which contains the mascara. The improvement consists of the tubular portion being designed with a slightly arced, slightly curved, integral shield which conforms to the shape and curvature of the lower eyelash line. After withdrawing the applicator from the tubular portion, the user places the shield underneath the lower eyelashes and applies mascara to the lower eyelashes. Unwanted and excess mascara is deposited on the shield instead of the skin below the eye.

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent U.S. 60/668,856 filed Apr. 7, 2005 (confirmation number 3246).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices that are used to apply mascara more easily and accurately, particularly those used as to prevent the smudging of mascara or depositing mascara where it is not wanted, such as the delicate skin below the lower eyelash line.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Numerous devices have been proposed or made to be used as shields for applying makeup, specifically mascara. The major problem with these devices is that they are handheld and are separate from the source of the mascara. My invention includes a mascara shield that is comfortable, safe, fits the contours of the lower eyelash line and is an integral part of the mascara tube. This maximizes convenience, as a person who uses mascara has the shield readily in hand.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,364 issued to Inzana, et al. describes a handle with a hollow container which can house mascara, but is proposed with hinges which can interfere with the comfort of the device. Likewise with U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,170 issued to Kassai, the alternate embodiment allows the shield device to be affixed to a cylindrical makeup case by means of a spring clip. This, too, is an uncomfortable device to use. As noted with my invention, the shield is an integral part of the cylinder or mascara tube and can lie comfortably on the cheek. My device not only is comfortable but also allows for maximum convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applying mascara to the lower eyelashes has long been a common and bothersome problem because the lower eyelashes lie very close to the delicate skin below. When one attempts to coat the lower eyelashes, excess and unwanted mascara is often deposited on the skin below.

A readily available, hygienic, and comfortable device which conforms to the curvature of the lower eyelashes provides the solution.

Because the shield is part of the mascara tube, it is always available. After opening the mascara tube by unfastening the two portions and withdrawing the applicator from the tubular portion, a person simply positions the shield by placing the slightly arced shaped, slightly curved flared shield underneath the bottom eyelashes. The lower eye lashes rest upon the shield. A person holds the tubular portion with her left hand and applies the mascara to her eyelashes with her right hand, assuming the person is right-handed. Therefore when a person places the flared shield under her eyelashes and applies mascara, the mascara coats the lower eyelashes and the unwanted mascara which typically is deposited on the skin below the eye is instead deposited on the shield. The shield portion is made of the same non porous material as the rest of the device, such as plastic or other durable material and therefore can be wiped or washed clean after each use providing a clean and hygienic solution.

The thin yet sturdy construction of the flared shield with its rounded edges provides a comfortable feel for the user. The shield can be adjusted to fit the contours of the user's eye by simply moving or rotating the tubular portion. The flared shield (rigid or slightly flexible) can be held along the lower eyelash line allowing the user to further enhance the ability to apply the mascara accurately. The concave surface, which lies along the skin, is always smooth and comfortable, whereas the convex side which the lower eyelashes lie upon can be either smooth or slightly grooved for separation of the lower eyelashes.

Also the smooth transition between the shield and tubular portion is tapered at an angle as to allow the tube to rest comfortably along the cheekbone and face of the user.

In summary, the proposed device is a safe, readily available, sanitary, comfortable, and compactly designed solution to an annoying problem for users of mascara.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the back view of the invention. The cap and tubular portions are shown fastened together.

FIG. 2 is the back view of the invention with the cap and tubular portions illustrated separately.

FIG. 3 is the front view of the invention with the cap and tubular portions fastened together.

FIG. 4 is the side view of the invention with the cap and tubular portions fastened together.

FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the invention with the cap and tubular portions fastened together.

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing the invention being used by a woman in the application of mascara.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in further detail using the drawings. The back view of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The cap 1 is shown fastened to the tubular portion 2. You will note the tubular portion 2 transitions into the shield 3. This shield 3 flares out with a slightly arced edge 8, slightly curved surface 9, with symmetrically rounded winged edges 10. The slightly arced edge 8 fits the crescent shape of the lower eyelid of the human eye. The lower eyelid is an elongated u-shape and the slightly arced edge 8 of the shield follows the shape of the lower eye and allows the shield 3 to rest comfortably along the lower eyelid pressing gently onto the skin below the eye. The lower eyelashes rest on top of the shield 3. The rounded edges 10 allow for maximum comfort and safety.

In addition to the slightly arced edge 8, the shield 3 also has a slightly curved surface 9. The curved surface 9 conforms to the convex shape of the human eye. The mid portion of the human eye slightly protrudes out beyond the corners of the eye. Likewise, the invention corresponds to this shape by curving around the lower eyelid. As a result, the shield 3 fits the natural shape and curvature of the human eye area. The outer convex surface 14 allows the lower eyelashes to rest on top of the shield. The outer convex surface 14 may be smooth as illustrated or may be slightly grooved to allow the acceptance of the lower eyelashes in an orderly fashion. The shield 3 can be made of a durable material which may be rigid or somewhat flexible. The shield 3 is thin enough to be comfortable, but thick enough to provide a stable surface. Those skilled in the art would easily be able to determine the material to be used for the invention.

In FIG. 2, the invention is shown in two separate parts. The first part, the cap portion shows the cap 1 with the centrally attached shaft 4. At the end of the shaft is the applicator 5. The applicator 5 shown is a brush, but a comb or other type of applicator may be used. The diameter, length of cap or shaft may vary without compromising the integrity of the invention. Inside the cap 1 are threads which allow the cap 1 to be fastened onto the tubular portion 2 of the invention. The shaft 4 and the applicator 5 are inserted into the opening 6 of the tubular portion 2 of the invention. Tubular portion 2 has a threaded neck portion. These threads 7 correspond to opposite threads found inside the cap 1 and allow the cap 1 to be fastened onto the body portion 2 securely. The tubular portion 2 of the mascara tube stores the mascara and accepts the applicator 5 for storage and use. Threads are shown as a means of fastening, but other methods may be employed. Those skilled in the art would determine the best means of fastening the two portions together.

FIG. 3 shows the front view of the invention with the two portions, cap 1 and tubular portion 2 fastened together. Note in this illustration, the smooth concave surface 13 of the shield 3. The concave surface 13 is the side which is pressed against the lower eyelid onto the skin below the eye. You will also note in this drawing, the transition from the tubular structure ends at point 12 and angle towards the back of the device ending at point 11 where it then flares out into the shield 3.

The side view is shown in FIG. 4 with the two portions fastened together. The arced edge 8 and the curved surface 9 are clearly illustrated. The transition from point 12 to point 11 is also illustrated.

FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the invention. The areas mentioned in the other drawings are shown in a different and perhaps better view. The slightly arced edge 8 and slightly curved surface 9 are clearly shown, as well as the concave surface 13 and convex surface 14. Also the transition from the tubular portion 2 to the shield 3 is seen clearer in this view. The tubular portion ends at point 12 and transforms angularly to a point 11 where it then transitions into the shield 3.

Using the invention is easy and quick. By using FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, one can visualize this usage. Assuming the person is right handed, a person unfastens the cap 1 from the tubular portion 2 and withdraws the shaft 4 and applicator 5 with her right hand. She then holds the front portion of the tubular portion 2 near her cheek and aligns the shield 3 underneath her lower eyelashes with her left hand. The concave surface 13 lies against her skin, and the eyelashes rest on top of the convex surface 14. She uses her right hand to apply the mascara to her lower eyelashes. She uses the applicator 5 to stroke the mascara over the eyelashes to coat them. Any excess mascara which would normally fall on the delicate skin below is instead captured on the shield 3. The tubular portion 2 with the attached shield 3 is withdrawn from under the eye and the shield 3 is wiped or washed clean. The device is made from a plastic or similar durable material which permits the shield 3 to be repeatedly cleaned. You will also note that the tubular portion 2 of the devise can be slightly rotated when in use to allow the person to place the shield area more accurately against the under eye area. The rounded edges 10 allow for comfort and safety.

FIG 6 is an illustration of a woman using the invention as described above.

Modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art would be able modify such things as the thickness of the shield area, the degree of curvature or the length or circumference of the tubular portion without deviating from the spirit or integrity of the invention. 

1. A device which contains mascara and provides for the accurate application of said mascara comprising of: a cap portion which is made up of a cap with a shaft and attached small brush or comb applicator which is used to coat the eyelashes with the said mascara and which is removably fastened to the tubular portion which contains the said mascara wherein the improvement comprises of the said tubular portion having an integral attached lower eyelash shield which protects the skin under the eye from unwanted mascara and smudges; the said tubular portion transitions from the tubular shape into an angled shape and then transitions into the said shield; the said shield flares into a slightly arced, slightly curved, symmetrically winged shape which conforms to the general shape and curvature of the lower eyelash line of the human eye; the said shield having rounded corners which provides a means to protect the eye from injury during use; the said shield, when placed under the lower eyelash line, allows the lower eyelashes to rest upon it and provides a surface on which the user can accurately coat the lower eyelashes with said mascara and any excess and unwanted mascara is deposited on the said shield, instead of the skin below the lower eyelashes.
 2. A device as described in claim 1 wherein the shield can be constructed of a rigid or slightly flexible material.
 3. A device as described in claim 1 wherein the edge of the convex surface can be either smooth or have slight grooves arranged onto it as to aid in the separation of the lower eyelashes. 